DDR4 Single Channel vs. Dual Channel Redux

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

How unsatisfied should I be that my new build will only post in a single channel configuration, given that I just built the danged thing and everything else is working just fine and that I will probably never expand my memory from 2x8GB DIMMS to 4x8 anyways. This is for gaming and basic productivity, no sound or movie editing going on here.

Build:
Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 7 mobo
Intel i5 6600k
G. Skill RipJaws V DDR4 2133 2x8GB (Single Channel)
NVidia GTX 970 FTW
Corsair H60 Cooler
EVGA SuperNOVA 650G1 Gold Power Supply
Samsung EVO 250GB SSD
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

Are the DIMMs in the same color slots?

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

Not now they aren't, lol.

Let's just, for the sake of argument, assume my mobo has a bent pin that is preventing a dual channel configuration. I'm not saying that's the case, but that's probably the case.

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

You need to put the DIMMs in the same color slots to get dual-channel.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

Let's just assume - again, for the sake of argument - that just isn't an option.

Because that's not an option.

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

lepermessiah :

Then there is no argument. Same color slots = dual channel (either color), different color slots = single channel. That's all there is to it. The performance difference is mostly just noticeable in stuff like video editing and such. In gaming, RAM configuration and speed makes no difference.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

Truth is, Mr. Kagouris, I'm afflicted with color blindness. It's a very sensitive topic for me, so I appreciate your discretion.

Seriously though, thanks for your answer.

Mr. Kagouris doesn't think I should be particularly disappointed with the performance hit. Any other takers?

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

lepermessiah :

Mr Kagouris :

Truth is, Mr. Kagouris, I'm afflicted with color blindness. It's a very sensitive topic for me, so I appreciate your discretion.

Seriously though, thanks for your answer.

Any other takers?

You might be happy to know color blindness doesn't matter in this case. Every motherboard on the face of the Earth has RAM slots colored as such: COLOR 1-COLOR 2-COLOR 1-COLOR 2. So if there's an empty slot between your sticks then they should be able to run in dual channel.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

lepermessiah :

You might be happy to know color blindness doesn't matter in this case. Every motherboard on the face of the Earth has RAM slots colored as such: COLOR 1-COLOR 2-COLOR 1-COLOR 2. So if there's an empty slot between your sticks then they should be able to run in dual channel.

Okay, you got me there.

No, my pc literally won't post in a dual channel configuration. (Error 55). I tried both colors and everything!

So the issue goes a bit deeper than me being a stupid moron who can't read a manual. Lol.

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

Unless you physically damaged the RAM slots yourself, I'd say RMA the motherboard.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

I guess that's ultimately what I'm trying to decide. If it's even worthwhile to go to that trouble for something I may not even substantially benefit from. Like I said, I'm very pleased with the performance I'm getting here on this rig so far.

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

lepermessiah :

You will eventually want those extra slots. Trust me better RMA now that you can.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

Is that the only reason? Because, even 16GB seems like more than I really require for the foreseeable future. So, by the time 32 gigs is required, would it not be time to replace the mobo altogether anyways? And even if my mobo was still relevant when that time came, I could still do 2x16 DIMMS.

Not being argumentative, just want to think through this line of reasoning.

Mr Kagouris · Feb 11, 2016

lepermessiah :

Considering you have an unlocked CPU, your system will be relevant by the time you need 32GB. Also, who knows, you might get into things which require a lot more RAM than gaming. Non-functional RAM slots would also hurt resale value (I'm guessing Z170 boards and Skylake chips will be worth something by the time it needs replacing, so resale could fund that upgrade). Finally, having all slots populated just plain looks cooler

.

lepermessiah · Feb 11, 2016

Mr Kagouris :

You make some good points there... I hadn't even considered the resale value. Also, it will save me the trouble of explaining why my RAM is slotted in different colored slots every time I show it off.

Okay, okay... you convinced me. Thanks.

lepermessiah · Feb 22, 2016

Incidentally, I took your advice. Finally running in dual channel with a new mobo. Thanks again!

Mr Kagouris · Feb 22, 2016

No problem, we're all here to help eachother

DDR4 Single Channel vs. Dual Channel Redux

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